title: Interference of cross-reactive carbohydrates in the determination of specific IgE in alcohol drinkers and strategies to minimize it: the example of latex.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) are N-glycans in plant and invertebrate proteins that interfere with specific IgE determinations. The prevalence of IgE to Man2XylFucGlcNAc2 (MUXF), the CCD from bromelain, may be increased in heavy drinkers.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To further investigate the relationship of alcohol consumption to CCD specific IgE. Latex was used as an example for investigating CCD interference with in vitro allergy testing and how to minimize the interference by using nonglycosylated recombinant allergens and inhibition assays.
  
  
  METHODS
  We determined the levels of IgE to CCD markers (MUXF and ascorbate oxidase) and natural rubber latex in 270 adults without a history of latex allergy (73 abstainers or occasional drinkers, 76 light drinkers, 47 moderate drinkers, and 74 heavy drinkers). In cases with latex reactivity, we performed inhibition assays with MUXF and screened for IgE to a panel of recombinant latex allergens. Fourteen-day serologic follow-up was available for a subset of individuals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Moderate to heavy drinkers displayed an increased prevalence of IgE to CCD markers. The presence of CCD specific IgE was closely associated with latex IgE reactivity. Inhibition studies and the absence of reactivity to nonglycosylated recombinant latex allergens indicated CCD interference in latex IgE determinations. Serum levels of specific IgE decreased with alcohol abstention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this population, alcohol consumption is associated with an increased prevalence of IgE reactivity to natural rubber latex due to CCD interference. The use of nonglycosylated recombinant allergens and inhibition assays may help to minimize CCD interference in populations in which IgE to CCDs is common.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Superior de Saúde do Alto Ave (ISAVE), Povoa de Lanhoso, Portugal.
authors.forename: Vitor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Coutinho
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vidal
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garrido
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gude
authors.forename: Santiago
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lojo
authors.forename: Allan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Linneberg
authors.forename: Arturo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gonzalez-Quintela
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000276:immunology*; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000276:immunology*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D007840:Latex / Q000276:immunology; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D002241:Carbohydrates; D007840:Latex; D007073:Immunoglobulin E